Matsumoto -The Black Crow Castle Town
After a busy day yesterday I was happy to get a bit of sleep this morning before being picked up by taxi and heading back to Matsumoto. Matsumoto lies in the middle of Nagano prefecture at the foot of the Japanese Alps where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held. Matsumoto is called the "Black Crow Castle Town" because its most prominent landmark, Matsumoto Castle, has a striking black exterior, which resembles the color of a crow, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle". It’s an option to consider for those wanting to see a bit more of the country and nearby countryside. From Tokyo it is a 2.5 hour direct train ride from Shinjuku station on the JR Azusa Limited Express. The city is compact and can be explored on foot or bicycles can be used for free from multiple locations around the city. There are also tours departing from Matsumoto into the countryside where you can do everything from bike rides, to hiking, wine tasting and visiting local artisans and food producers.
Matsumoto Castle, just a 15 minute walk from the station, is one of five castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower remaining in Japan. Construction began in 1592. In the spring the castle is a popular cherry blossom spot with hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the outer castle moat. The inside of the castle is relatively sparse with a collection of firearms and explanations of life in the castle when it was actively being used. VERY steep steps take you from floor to floor and I can imagine during busier periods the wait to enter the castle would be very long due to the time it takes people to go up and down these stairs.
Matsumoto also has a number of museums worth visiting including the Matsumoto City of Art which is known for its permanent collection of works by Yayoi Kusama, the “dot lady.” Built in 2002 the museum also houses other contemporary artists from Matsumoto or whose works have been inspired by the city. If you are looking for more traditional fare, the Japan Ukiyo-e (Woodblock) Museum holds the largest collection of ukiyo-e, paintings, screens and old books in the world. There is also the fascinating Matsumoto Timepiece Museum which houses a collection of over 300 timepieces, many of which are still running. The oldest dates from the 1400s.
Matsumoto is also known for the Nakamachi-Dori, a former merchant district lined with white warehouses called kura. Today these house craft shops, restaurants, breweries and cafes. Running parallel to Nakamachi across the river lies "Frog Street", a pedestrian-only lane of shops and cafes housed in small, traditional-style buildings.